Ahern renews support for US at ground zero

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern stressed his full support for the US-led war on terrorism after watching a firefighter’s body being removed from the ruins of the World Trade Centre.

Mr Ahern said he wished everyone could see ground zero for themselves to help them understand why military action was being taken against the Taliban.

Looking grim-faced he had watched as the remains of the firefighter, covered in an orange bag, were carried out of the rubble.

Afterwards he said: ‘‘Sometimes people can stand back and pontificate about why the Americans and the coalition are out trying to sort out the people who did this.

‘‘I don’t think anyone should forget that the terrorists took numerous trips to look at the World Trade Centre to plan what they were doing to ensure it led to mass destruction.

‘‘From our own experience with terrorists we know they are unlikely to do something like this and then just stop. They are always planning their next move.’’

Accompanied by his partner, Celia Larkin, Mr Ahern was given a report of the recovery effort at ground zero by first deputy commissioner of the New York police department Joe Dunn.

He also chatted with Irish construction workers, among them Mike Power from Waterford.

Mr Power who has been working on the site since September 12 said Mr Ahern’s visit was a ‘‘boost’’.

‘‘It’s been a tough time for all of us here, so it was nice to have the Taoiseach over to give his support.’’

Mr Ahern also had a short meeting with New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

Afterwards Mr Giuliani thanked Mr Ahern and the Irish people for their support since the September 11 attacks.

‘‘As we were absorbing the horrible acts on us it was a source of tremendous strength to the people of the United States to see the spontaneous demonstrations of support in Ireland,’’ the mayor said.

He said New Yorkers were aware that Ireland had also suffered a terrible blow on September 11 because of the number of Irish Americans working in the emergency services in the city and the many Irish citizens who were employed in the World Trade Centre.

Mr Ahern paid tribute to the mayor’s leadership and said everyone in Ireland had been impressed by his ‘‘energy, commitment and spirit’’ during such difficult times.

Mr Ahern spoke yesterday on the final day of a three-day tour to the US.

On Thursday he met President George W Bush and promised Ireland would continue to support the US in the fight against terrorism, but also outlining his concern over the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

But Mr Ahern was unable to attend a planned meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in New York because of problems with the Irish Government jet.